World's best kitesurfers to race from Rottnest Island to Perth

Two of the fastest kite surfers in the world will be in Perth in December to compete in the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton Kite Surfing Race.
 
Tourism Minister Dr Kim Hames said current and former world speed sailing record holders Rob Douglas from the United States and Alex Caizergues from France had entered this year’s race.
 
“These guys literally fly over the water and have both recorded speeds of over 50 knots over 500 metres kite surfing, that’s more than 100 kilometres an hour,” Dr Hames said.
 
“Last year Alex Caizergues easily won the inaugural Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton Race, covering the 19 kilometres between Phillip Point at Rottnest Island and the mainland in just 24 minutes 34 seconds.”
 
“But with Rob Douglas having taken the world speed record with an astonishing average speed of 55.65 knots over 500 metres, the competition for this year’s race will be fierce.”
 
This year’s field of 100 kite surfers will include 50 international and national competitors, including members of the Red Bull and Cabrinha sponsored teams.
 
The State Government, through Eventscorp, is proud to sponsor the Red Bull Lighthouse to Leighton Kite Surfing Race for the next three years.
 
“Eventscorp has also commissioned the production of a half hour television program on the 2011 race which will be broadcast nationally and internationally,” Dr Hames said.
 
“This is a unique home grown event that we would hope will develop into a feature event on the world kite surfing circuit.”
 
Fact file

·     Race held on December 3, 2011

·     find out more at www.lighthouse2leighton.com.au

- Janine Pittaway